Deryl's "Green" Bird Year!

During 2022, Deryl is attempting a "Green Big Year". Any birds on his Lambton County list will be obtained without the use of fossil fuel powered transportation. He will travel by self-powered transportation throughout the City of Sarnia and possibly beyond. Weather conditions even permitted a birding trip via Cross-country Skis in February!

We are grateful to live so close to Canatara Park, a 300+ acre park consisting of forest, meadow, a small lake, and Lake Huron shoreline. The different habitats allow for a large diversity of bird life, all of which are within walking distance! One of his first birds of the New Year was a Hermit Thrush. A pair of thrushes made the choice to stay in Canatara this winter.

On January 16, during a lull from snowstorms, Deryl rode his bike to the Suncor Trail and found a Wood Duck, among other species.

Wood Duck

Since January 1, 2022, he has walked 117.2 kilometres, snowshoed 4 km, and cross-country skied 5 km. Bike riding has earned him another 62 km of exercise! Total: 188.2 kilometres!

Some of the winter species that he has found include a Northern Saw-whet Owl...

Snow Goose, blue-phase

Harlequin Duck

Gadwall

Common Redpoll

He is enjoying tackling the green year, but is becoming impatient with the winter weather, even though I remind him we do live in Canada! He has found an impressive 79 species since January 1st! Some species are currently in Lambton County but are just out of reach. He, along with many others, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring!!

 Spring is in the Air!

American Robins are often associated with the arrival of spring.

I have seen small groups of robins off and on through the winter but this morning I saw 25 in Canatara Park! They are gathering in larger groups as they hunt for food which is becoming harder to find.

Since some Robins are known to stay through the winter, my personal "first sign of spring" is the arrival of Red-winged Blackbirds. Deryl photographed the above male bird at Wawanosh Wetlands on February 21st!

Pussy Willows are starting to emerge! Pussy willows are flowers protected by a soft coating of hairs, before they start to fully bloom. This plant was photographed on February 21st. in Canatara Park. Spring is getting closer!!

                                American Beech Bud                    Pawpaw Bud

                                          Walnut Bud                              

Buds are sometimes thought to be a sign of spring. Tree buds actually form in late summer to protect tiny leaves through the winter; much like mitts protect our hands during the cold months. Buds are more noticeable in late winter/early spring when the weather warms up and the leaf inside starts to grow, causing the bud to swell.  All of the bud pictures above were taken in late September. Next fall on a walk through the forest or even in your own yard, take the time to look for buds. You will find many colours and shapes of buds protecting next summer's leaves!

Another sure sign of spring is the territorial battles that have begun on frozen Lake Chipican. Canada Geese are becoming vocal as the better weather approaches!

 American Crow:

American Crows are common birds of fields, open woodlands and forests. They thrive around people and can be found in agricultural fields, lawns, parking lots, athletic fields, roadsides, towns and city garbage dumps. (The Cornel Lab, All About Birds)

I'm not sure if its courtship time for crows, but the one on the left continually offered snow to the bird on the right. She really didn't appear interested at all.

Young American Crows do not breed until they are at least 2 years old. Most do not breed before 4 years of age. In many populations, the young help their parents raise younger siblings for a few years. Families may include up to 15 individuals and contain young from 5 different years! (The Cornel Lab, All About Birds)

Crash Landing in behind! It wasn't very graceful!

Red-tailed Hawks don't get any peace when discovered by crows.

Fort Gratiot, Michigan Lighthouse framed by ice after storm.

 Winter Continues:

During winter weather, birds have a variety of ways to stay warm.  Some methods include relying upon the insulative qualities of their feathers, fatty reserves from fall feeding, and absorbing sunshine on sunny days. Small birds will sometimes roost in large groups to share body heat. Staying through the winter months helps them to maintain territorial areas and also avoid the hazards of migration!

Northern Cardinal, female searching for seeds.

White-breasted Nuthatch pausing from her insect search.

(Females have a blue-grey crown, while males have a black crown.)

I recently found 11 eggs on a Teasel stem. After a bit of research, I learned they are Katydid eggs!

A well-camouflaged Katydid. (June 2020)

Deryl watched a vole hunting for seeds above the crusty snow. The colour contrast between the vole and snow makes this fellow an easy target for a predator's meal!

If I don't see the turkeys, I often find their tracks in the snow.

Lake Huron continues to look ominous!

BRRRR!

Lake Huron, Canatara Beach, February 12, 2022

Ducks on ice!

Ice on Ducks! 

This group of mostly Redhead Ducks were covered in clumps of ice. It must have been a long night sleeping on the water!

A female Hooded Merganser popped up close to shore under the Bluewater Bridges. I'm not sure who was more surprised to see the other, me or her!

Lots of freighters (and a ferry) are docked in Sarnia over the winter months.

Cold Enough to Frost Your Bubbles!

I have been experimenting with a bubble recipe that uses corn syrup and sugar. In order to create the frosted pattern on the bubbles, the outside temperature must be -10 degrees C. or colder.

I also tried using a key ring for a 2-D image.

It helps if the sun is shining!

I managed to capture my reflection in one of the bubbles.

Its a fun activity on a cold day when birds are hard to find!

 

  Recent Winter Birds:

During a walk through Bridgeview Park and Petrolia Discovery, I noticed a Great Blue Heron standing beside an open water hole. I believe he has been there all winter. Since he has survived the latest cold snap, fingers crossed that he continues to find food until spring arrives!

A Red-tailed Hawk stands in a vine covered tree top eating his lunch.

I wasn't able to see the hawk's prize, but black fur on the ground nearby indicated that squirrel was probably on the menu.

A Carolina Wren in the snow.

I looked towards a scratching noise and saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker at head height staring back at me! He allowed me to take a few pictures before he moved on.

I hadn't crossed paths with the Wild Turkeys in about 2 weeks but found them having a picnic overlooking Lake Huron this morning!

 A Black Squirrel seemed to be very cautious and curious about these very large birds!